In PNG, barriers to HIV treatment remain stubborn

The chairman of Papua New Guinea's National Aids Council says a high percentage of those who test positive for HIV are not accessing any treatment.

A woman walks past an AIDS billboard in PNG Photo: AFP

Dr Banare Bun says this is largely due to high rates of discrimination and stigmatisation of people living with HIV and Aids, rates of which he says remain stubbornly high.

The Post Courier reports attitudes from health workers towards those with HIV or Aids are also playing a role in preventing access to services.

Dr Bun cited a recent study among HIV-positive people in Chimbu province, which found that 60 percent had been denied health services; 71 percent had been physically assaulted; 85 percent verbally assaulted or harrassed; and two thirds excluded from family gatherings because of their HIV status.